Biden Vows to Block Military Sales to Pakistan

[PatSeg]

Calling the Bush administration's reaction to emergency rule in Pakistan inadequate, Sen. Joseph Biden, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said that he is considering suspending sales of major weapons systems to Pakistan.

In particular, he said that U.S. sales of F-16 fighter jets and P-3 surveillance aircraft could be used as a lever to prompt the powerful Pakistani military to pressure Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf to reverse his declaration of emergency rule.

snip

"If the moderates don't find a vehicle through elections, they may find they have no choice but to make common cause with extremists, much as with the shah's opponents in Iran 30 years ago," Biden said. "We had better get on the right side of history."

More: http://www.usnews.com/blogs/news-desk/2007/11/8/biden-vows-to-block-military-sales-to-pakistan.html

[razors edge]

1. Biden must be mistaken.

Such a move is the direct opposite of what works best in this type of situation.

US okays $155m arms package for Israel

Congress to grant Israel funds for production, development of Hetz, David mid-range defensive missile systems. Special funds given for development of long-range missiles aimed at Iranian threat
Yitzhak Benhorin,

WASHINGTON – The US Congress on Wednesday approved a $155 million arms package for Israel, aimed at the development of the Hetz and David mid-range defensive missile systems and for the development long-range defensive missile systems.


The arms package is still pending the approval of the US House of Representatives and President George W Bush. The Israeli defense establishment was pleased with Congress' decision, which effectively increases Israel's missile development budget by 30%.


With the allocation of these new funds, the US would be investing some $98 million in the development of the Hetz defensive missile system: Thirty-seven million dollars will be directed towards the Hetz's production in a Boeing factory in the US and by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and $37 million for its continuing development.

http://www.ynetnews.com/Ext/Comp/ArticleLayout/CdaArticlePrintPreview/1,2506,L-3469018,00.html

[youthere]

2. Kicking for Joe.

[gateley]

3. I don't understand the point you're making - could you enlighten me? Thanks. nt

[lyonn]

4. That is what bothers me

We spend millions to keep Israel secure. Israel is a very friendly nation to the U.S. Pakistan is a whole different situation. Why not spend millions to keep Pakistan friendly? Secure their country from radicals, if possible. Isn't that what Biden is wanting? He wants to cut back on military stuff and put it where it helps the average Pakistani. Isn't that a point maker to the people and not the govt.?